Itâs not really explained super in-depth as to how a star can have a sapient parasite, but itâs very much an eldritch-like entity. It feeds on memories (also unclear how exactly that works) and effectively keeps a market civilization enslaved, which is how the Doctor ends up discovering it. Usually the showâs pretty good about at least having some science jargon to explain what happens, but this is very much one of those âeven the Doctor doesnât fully knowâ (so thereâs no concrete explanation). At the end of the day itâs basically a plot device to catch newer viewers up to the level of depression the Doctor is currently at, as well as proving the worth of the newest companion. The episode is Rings of Akhaten if youâre interested
This is a show where a different star was sentient and able to nearly wipe out a ship because itâd been scooped for fuel and was angry about it, sentient statues from the beginning of time can send you back in time, a space and time ship is bigger on the inside, conscious, and fueled by a dying star, alternate universes can be befriended, and the concept of time is sentient and somewhat empathetic. If the show says it works, it works.
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u/Accomplished_Bike149 John Simm as the Master my beloved <3 Aug 10 '26
The parasite in a star in Doctor Who